San Jose Youth Symphony

★★★★★Anastasia

As a student in SJYS percussion ensemble that has been in there for 4 years, I love it so much. I have learned so much from the teacher, Mr. Shota, and their summer camp for advanced groups that they have every year was one of a kind and made me want to go everyday for the rest of my life. I love music so much and bc of SJYS I get to play so much of it. Join SJYS music people, it’s so worth it, 6 stars

★★★★★Ping Hsieh

I started crying and left my first SJYS rehearsal after I was handed a tambourine and some Rossini music rip c: But Yair and Shoko made sure not to kill my confidence and supported me from a beginner in SJYS's percussion ensemble to principal percussionist on the Phil's '17 Europe tour. We did hella fun pieces like Scheherazade, both Romeo and Juliets, and Malcom Arnold's A Grand, Grand Overture aka the vacuum cleaner cleaner cream pie rifle piece. The annual holiday concert at St. Joseph's Cathedral in downtown SJ every December is always super fun too. Met some wonderful musicians and friends during my time in SJYS, and there wasn't a concert or rehearsal where I didn't have fun.

★★★★★Tami Ozubko

My son joined San Jose Youth Symphony about three years ago. His experience there has provided him the opportunity to gain confidence, mature, work hard, and grow as a musician. They always practice and perform high quality music and are directed by a professional, very qualified conductor. The executive director and staff are amazing, too. The Philharmonic group travels internationally every other year which has been a highlight for my son. He was also able to perform in The Nutcracker at the Flint Center. The yearly summer camp has also been a highlight! When the group performs it’s a complete joy to watch. The kids are confident and proud of their hard work. If you close your eyes and listen, you would believe that you were listening to an adult symphony. They always sound amazing! Family and friends are always impressed after a concert. I highly recommend SJYS to anyone interested in a high quality music experience for their child. They’re the absolute best in the Bay Area!

★★★★★Martha Espitia- Irazabal

San Jose Youth Symphony is an excellent organization! I have two musicians who have participated in this organization, my elder son has been a member for several years and he has have the opportunity to be in Jazz Ensemble, Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestra. My younger son has been in Concert and Chamber Orchestra. My sons love SJYS. Summer camps are a great experience for the musicians as well! I do recommend SJYS to those parents who wants to support their kids with music. Yair Samet is great conductor and Shoko is an amazing executive director, she make sure that all the students are in track and provides a great and permanent communications to the parents. During Covid-19 and under challenging circumstances, SJYS continues supporting to all the students with the same level of professionalism. I give to this Organization more than 5 stars!

★★★★★Kyle Chesser

I have 2 musicians participating in 2 different levels of San Jose Youth Symphony. I can honestly say that the level of instruction, musical benefit and fostering of community is extremely enriching to my kids. The care and consideration of the leadership group at SJSY is highly reflective in the growth and progress I see in the performances my musicians are a part of. I highly recommend that families looking for a way to support their musical students - research and JOIN San Jose Youth Symphony. It's great for all who participate.